ANI
Wrestlers' Protest: Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) recently elected president, Sanjay Singh, spoke out on the suspension imposed by the Union Sports Ministry, revealing he is yet to receive an official letter regarding the decision.
The Union Ministry for Sports and Youth Affairs took the drastic step of suspending WFI and its office-bearers, including Sanjay Singh, in response to protests led by prominent wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh.
Sanjay Singh, an associate of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, refrained from commenting on the government's move. He cited a lack of detailed information, stating, "I will make a public statement only after going through the letter. I have heard that some decisions have been reversed."
Olympian Sakshee Malikkh's emotional retirement announcement, accusing the Centre of breaking its promise regarding office-bearers, remained a focal point. Sanjay Singh declined to comment on Malikkh's decision.
The Sports Ministry questioned the legitimacy of WFI's decisions, criticising the lack of adherence to constitutional norms and procedural norms. The ministry highlighted violations of the WFI's constitutional provisions and the National Sports Development Code.
The decision to host U-15 and U-20 nationals at Nandini Nagar in Uttar Pradesh added to the controversy. The Sports Ministry asserted that the decisions made by the newly elected executive body demonstrated a disregard for legal norms and violate procedural norms.
The controversy dated back to May when star wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and others, protested against Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexual harassment.
The Wrestling Federation of India faced suspension amid accusations of procedural violations and constitutional breaches, with uncertainty surrounding the future of the sport in the country.
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